The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is a popular houseplant, instantly recognizable by its large, violin-shaped leaves that bring a dramatic, tropical presence to any room. As a houseplant, the Fiddle Leaf Fig naturally tends to grow tall with a single, slender stem, which can result in a “leggy” appearance over time. The practice of “topping” is a specific pruning technique that involves removing the terminal growth bud at the top of the plant to encourage a fuller, multi-branched structure. This method allows you to control the plant’s height while promoting the dense, bushy growth many enthusiasts desire.
Why Topping is Necessary for Fiddle Leaf Figs
Topping a Fiddle Leaf Fig directly addresses its natural growth pattern, which is governed by apical dominance. This mechanism means the main, vertical stem grows more vigorously than the side shoots, actively suppressing the growth of dormant lateral buds along the trunk. The plant’s growing tip, or apex, produces the hormone auxin, which travels down the stem and inhibits the development of side branches.
When the tip of the main stem is removed, the flow of this inhibiting auxin is interrupted. This interruption signals the plant to divert its energy and hormones to the dormant buds, which are located at the nodes, or the points where leaves meet the stem. These newly activated buds will then typically sprout into two or more new branches near the cut, transforming a single-stemmed plant into a robust, branching tree.
Preparing for the Topping Process
The timing of the topping procedure significantly influences the plant’s recovery and success in branching. The ideal time to top a Fiddle Leaf Fig is during its active growing season, which typically runs from early spring through mid-summer. Performing the cut while the plant is actively growing ensures it has the energy reserves and hormonal activity to quickly heal the wound and activate new lateral buds.
Before making the cut, gather your tools, which should include a sharp, sterilized pair of bypass pruners or shears. Sterilizing the blade with rubbing alcohol is important to prevent the transfer of fungal spores or bacteria into the open wound. The Fiddle Leaf Fig produces a milky white latex sap when cut, which contains mildly toxic calcium oxalate crystals. You must wear gloves and protect your work area, as this sap can be a skin irritant.
Identify the specific point on the stem where you want the new branching to occur. The cut must be made just above a leaf node, which appears as a slightly raised ring or bump on the stem. Making the cut right above the node ensures the dormant bud there is positioned to receive the redirected growth hormones.
Step-by-Step Guide to Topping
Once you have identified the target node, make a clean, horizontal cut across the stem, approximately one quarter to one half inch above the node. The cut should be single and decisive to minimize damage and promote rapid healing. Aim for a straight cut rather than an angled one, as a flat surface is easier for the plant to seal over.
Immediately after the cut, the milky white latex sap will begin to bleed from the wound. Blot the exuded sap immediately and continuously with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel until the flow slows significantly. Allowing the sap to dry can create a sticky mess and potentially damage the plant tissue.
The section of the stem you removed, known as the cutting, can be propagated to create a new Fiddle Leaf Fig plant. Cuttings should have at least one or two leaves and a node on the stem. This provides an opportunity for additional plants instead of discarding the removed growth.
Post-Topping Care and Expected Growth
After topping, the plant requires specific care to encourage successful branching and recovery. The open wound on the trunk will naturally form a protective callus over a few days. Adjust your watering schedule to avoid overwatering, as the plant’s water needs are temporarily reduced due to fewer leaves transpiring moisture. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Sustained bright, indirect light remains the most important factor for encouraging new growth. A location near a south- or west-facing window is ideal, as the increased light intensity provides the energy needed to activate the dormant lateral buds below the cut. If the light is insufficient, the plant may struggle to produce new branches, or the resulting growth may be weak and spindly.
The plant will typically begin to show signs of new growth from the node below the cut within four to six weeks, though this timeline can vary based on light and season. You can often expect two or three new branches to emerge from the cut area, although the number is not guaranteed. These new shoots will grow outward and upward, creating the dense, multi-stemmed structure desired for a fuller Fiddle Leaf Fig.